Does your car have a nickname? Do you apologize to it when you bounce over a pothole? Do you imagine it’s besties with your best friend’s car? It’s only natural. We Houstonians are never very far away from our trusty automotive companions. Whether we have our lengthy commutes or mostly ourselves—walking? what’s that?—to blame, we spend countless hours in our SUVs and sedans. It’s a number that will only increase as our traffic congestion worsens: the Texas A&M Transportation Institute recently found that 4 of the top 10 most congested roads in the state are right here in Houston—and yes, the worst is the debacle at 610 and 59.

It all adds gravitas to any new-car purchase decisions we face. Of course you don’t want to waste a down payment on a car you’ll be cursing in another year, or get locked into a too-restrictive lease. But more than that, you want a car that you’re comfortable in, that reflects your identity, that fits your lifestyle and—in short—makes you happy on the way from point A to B. Enter Houstonia’s comprehensive car buyers’ guide, our bid to help you find your fit while understanding the latest high-tech advancements and even taking care of those poor H-Town-weary tires.

The one thing we didn’t cover? Driving that car off the lot like a Houstonian. Just remember: use your blinker, and give a quick wave.